The BBC television show The Sky At Night, which opened in April 1957, is one of the longest-running in the world. Its longevity is undoubtedly due to host and national treasure Sir Patrick Moore. Amongst his other contributions to mankind, the uniquely-voiced bemonacled one plays the xylophone[Flash], is an endless source of inspiration for comedians[MP3], and was, of course, the condescending yet benevolent GamesMaster. But in this festive season, can he explain the Star of Bethlehem[Real]?posted by Pretty_Generic (14 comments total)

His directions to Uranus are pretty wacky. You'll pass Mars' orbit well before you pass Ganymede's. Also, he won't necessarily need "pressure balanced physiology" when he gets there. He could stay at whatever altitute on Uranus the atmospheric pressure equals ours. He may need new breathing equipment, and a temperature and density adjustment (for floating around in the cold), but pressure-wise he'll be fine.

Also, I want that taxi service.posted by wobh at 9:47 AM on December 21, 2002

Well just make sure you don't vote for him, kids!posted by Pretty_Generic at 1:39 PM on December 21, 2002

Gamesmaster! Ah, what an excellent show. I'm sure anyone of ages 18-25 have fond memories of that show :-) It was like Bad Influence's less-dorky cousin.

That news story hardly makes him a racist. There are a lot of parasites who come here just to go on the dole. However, there are far more English council-estate parasites than foreign ones. I'm sure Patrick has no beef with hard working immigrants who come here for a better life and work hard to get it.. but it's not racist to blast anyone who is lazy, whether they're black, brown or white.

Thanks to everyone with wishy-washy attitudes, anyone with an ounce of common sense seems to be deemed a racist nowadays.. oh well.posted by wackybrit at 11:54 PM on December 21, 2002

While we're at it:

Moore's been a member of the ultra-right Freedom Association since 1980.

The Freedom Association is basically like the British version of the Libertarian Party. Saying 'ultra right' brews up images of fascism, racism and authoritarianism, whereas the Freedom Association is highly libertarian.. the complete opposite!posted by wackybrit at 11:57 PM on December 21, 2002

Moore is a proper legend.posted by ed\26h at 2:10 AM on December 23, 2002

Funny thing about Patrick Moore...he'd welcome the Martians with open arms, yet he can't stand the French or the Germans. Hmmm...

Still, anyone who devotes their life to popularizing science can't be all bad.posted by salmacis at 3:30 AM on December 23, 2002

he can't stand the French or the Germans

This is the attitude taken by most good citizens toward the French and the Germans. And I think rightly so.posted by ed\26h at 8:03 AM on December 23, 2002

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